Competitive walkers cross paths in 1910

October 08, 2006|THOMAS T. SPENCER

In early April 1910, two cross-country walkers converged on South Bend. Traveling in opposite directions, one walker was as famous as the other was obscure. Edward Payson Weston, 72, was a legend in the field of competitive race walking. He traveled with a personal trainer, publicist and an entourage of supporters. Jack Eldredge, less than half Weston's age, was virtually unknown, walked alone, and his passage through town would have gone unnoticed if he and Weston had not crossed paths. Weston and Eldredge met outside Elkhart and, after a brief conversation and walk, they went their separate ways, each hoping to break an existing cross-country record. Weston's arrival in South Bend attracted a great deal of attention, due in part to his notoriety and the fact he had passed through the city on one of his previous cross-country jaunts. His visit added to what was already an established and enthusiastic interest in leisure and competitive walking in the community. In the spring of 1910, South Bend, like many cities across the country, had a number of established clubs that sponsored competitive races and recreational walks. Competitive race walking was popular throughout the late 19th century, and this was one motive for the formation of such clubs. Other influences also played a role. One important factor was America's growing awareness that exercise was important to good health. In addition, walking clubs were thought to be a good way to extend fellowship, and for people in cities to get to know one another. Finally, in an era before automobiles became a predominant part of American life, walking was still the way many people went to work, to church, the grocery store or school. Consequently, walking for sport and recreation was a natural extension of a routine, daily activity. The Avenue of Walkers of Mishawaka was one of the more active clubs in the area, and they sponsored frequent competitive walks that drew large crowds on the streets of Mishawaka and South Bend. Small prizes were given for the top finishers, and walkers making the trek under a prescribed time had their 25-cent entry fee refunded. One such walk started at City Hall in Mishawaka and ended at Hullie's Cigar Store on Jefferson Boulevard in South Bend, a distance of four miles. Andrew Groves, a noted roller skater in the city, won the race in a time of 46 minutes and 10 seconds. The Blue Ribbon Walkers of South Bend promoted more recreational walks. A four-mile walk starting at the Posen Buffet on Chapin and Division streets was held in early April, with the hope that walkers could work up to a more challenging nine-mile journey in the future. Others strove for greater distances. The "Nervy Nine" walkers left South Bend on March 25, with the goal of reaching Chicago on the 27th. They filed a daily report on their progress with Jimmy Welch at Hullie's Cigar, which appeared to be the unofficial headquarters for South Bend in 1910. With such interest in walking, it is not surprising that Edward Weston's arrival in South Bend on April 7 attracted more than passing interest. Hundreds of people lined the streets to see him, and street cars were reportedly delayed by the throngs of people trying to get a glimpse of the walking legend. A competitive walker for nearly five decades, he won England's famous Astley belt in 1879 for covering 500 miles in slightly more than 141 hours. As late as 1906, at the age of 68, he walked 100 miles in 23 hours and 38 minutes. He arrived in South Bend ahead of schedule on his quest to walk from Los Angeles to New York in less than 100 days. Speaking to a large crowd in front of the Oliver Hotel, Weston urged young boys not to smoke. This proved somewhat ironic since Mecca Cigarettes included his picture in the 1910 series of "Champion Athletes" cards that were inserted into the backs of cigarette packs. After his brief remarks, Weston thanked the crowd for coming to see him and then retired for the night. Edward Weston and Jack Eldredge each accomplished their goals. Weston arrived in New York in slightly less than 77 days, and Eldredge, with little fanfare or publicity, walked from Boston to San Francisco in 100 days, a feat no less challenging given he was walking into strong headwinds. Unfortunately for Eldredge, he arrived in San Francisco on July 2, two days before the famous Jack Johnson-Jim Jefferies heavyweight boxing championship that dominated sports headlines. As a result, his accomplishment went unnoticed by most sportswriters. The walking clubs of South Bend offered residents the opportunity to participate in a recreational activity long before cities and municipalities took responsibility for organizing and sponsoring such events. Decades before health clubs, workout regimens and personal trainers would help define the concept of physical fitness, walking around the city of South Bend in 1910 provided residents varied opportunities for sport, leisure, fellowship and healthy exercise. Thomas Spencer is a teacher at McKinley Primary Center in South Bend and an adjunct professor of history at Indiana University South Bend.